Dr. Dan Evans, Ohio University Southern dean, has often used the word

"communiversity" to describe the college's mission, but now OUS has a building to further promote that concept.

The university's Campus and Community building at 1508 S. Ninth St., formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, will provide a space for all varieties of school and community activities.

"For the university, the concept of community has been changing and evolving like everything else," said Jim Crawford, director of The Center for Innovation and Leadership, whose office is temporarily housed in the building. "The big change is the need to integrate activities that involve our students and the community."

OUS purchased the building more than three years ago, but it is still a work in progress. The university will host an official open house in March after remodeling has been completed.

Overall, Crawford said this is just another way to build relationships to tie the university to the Lawrence County community.

"We see this as a vital link to bring the campus and community together to share the resources," Crawford said.

A community meeting room downstairs will be available for community groups like the Lions or Rotary clubs, student groups and private citizen activities like wedding showers or reunions. The rental price will be determined at a later date, Crawford said.

The SkillsMAX Center is is a computer lab equipped with assessment software and a certified testing center that allows a company to look at all the positions it offers to determine what technical and personal skills are needed for each job. It also allows employers to perform an assessment of all the employees to match their skills with a suitable job.

OUS is also offering a career development program for Ohio residents for only $25. Anyone interested has to register and will be given an interview and a variety of tests to measure individual skills and suggest a career path.

Students in the 3-D game design class are using the computer lab to work on state-of-the art programs.

Upstairs, the former chapel area is being used by the university's activities band. Crawford said it could become an ideal place for a theater/cafe area for cultural events.

Taking advantage of the large community room, a ballroom dancing class has been offered and a grant writing course will be offered next week. John Marra of WSAZ Television 3 will present a free spring lawn and garden class from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday.

On the horizon, the university hopes to coordinate a trip to Europe in December that would be open to students and citizens.

The Campus and Community office will be staffed by five OUS employees for the time being.

"We have a good mix of people with a variety of skills," Crawford said. "We are really set up to help serve both areas."

For more information about any of the offerings, call 533-4588.